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Neonatal abstinence syndrome

NAS

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a group of problems that occur in a newborn who was exposed to addictive illegal or prescription drugs while in the mother’s womb. Babies of mothers who drink during pregnancy may have a similar condition.

These and other substances pass through the placentato the babyduring pregnancy. The placenta isthe organ that connects the baby to its mother in the womb. The baby becomes addicted along with the mother.

At birth, the baby is still dependent on the drug. Because the baby is no longer getting the drug after birth, symptoms of withdrawal may occur.

Exams and Tests

It is important to have your baby checked out by a pediatrician. Many other conditions can produce the same symptoms as neonatal abstinence syndrome.

The doctor will ask questions about the mother's drug use, such as what drugs she took during pregnancy, and when she last took them.

Tests that may be done to diagnose withdrawal in a newborn include:

Neonatal abstinence syndrome scoring system, which assigns points based on each symptom and its severity. The infant’s score can help determine treatment.

Toxicology screen of first bowel movements (meconium)

Urine test (urinalysis)

Treatment

Treatment depends on:

The drug involved

The infant’s overall health

Whether the baby was born full-term or premature

The health care team will watch the newborn carefully for signs of withdrawal, feeding problems, and weight gain. Babies who vomit or who are very dehydrated may need to get fluids through a vein (intravenously).

Infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome are often fussy and hard to calm. Tips to calm the infant down include:

The doctor may prescribe the infant a drug similar to the one the mother used during pregnancy and slowly decrease the dose over time. This helps wean the baby off the drug and relieve some withdrawal symptoms. Breastfeeding may also be helpful.

Babies with this condition often have poor feeding or slow growth. Such babies may need:

A higher-calorie formula that provides greater nutrition

Smaller portions given more often

Outlook (Prognosis)

Treatment helps relieve symptoms of withdrawal.

Possible Complications

Drug and alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to many health problems in the baby, including:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Prevention

Discuss all medications, alcohol and tobacco with your health care provider. If you are using drugs, including alcohol or tobacco, ask your health care provider for help with stopping as soon as possible. If you are already pregnant, talk to your health care provider about the best way to stop using and keep yourself and the baby safe.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome - illustration

Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs when a pregnant woman takes addictive illicit or prescription drugs during the pregnancy. Drugs pass through the placenta and reach the baby. The baby becomes addicted along with the mother. At birth, the baby is still dependent on the drug. Because the baby is no longer getting the drug after birth, symptoms of withdrawal occur.

Neonatal abstinence synd...

illustration

Neonatal abstinence syndrome - illustration

Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs when a pregnant woman takes addictive illicit or prescription drugs during the pregnancy. Drugs pass through the placenta and reach the baby. The baby becomes addicted along with the mother. At birth, the baby is still dependent on the drug. Because the baby is no longer getting the drug after birth, symptoms of withdrawal occur.